Live Healthy Wellness Challenge

(Le Mars) -- When you see that Iowa has 29 percent of it population as being listed as obese, compared to the national average of 27.9 percent. One in four Iowa adults are physically inactive, one in 12 people in Iowa suffer from diabetes, and slightly more than 20 percent of the state's population smokes cigarettes, it is easy to see why Iowa's Healthiest State ranking dropped four positions to number 20. Because of these startling statistics, organizers within Plymouth County are wanting to recruit at least 2300 people to team up, get active, eat well and live healthy with the Live Healthy Iowa ten-week Wellness Challenge. Plymouth County Extension Coordinator Carol Schneider says Plymouth County ranks low within the state as far as being healthy. She says the program, Live Healthy Iowa, has been around for ten years. Listen to

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Schneider says the 2300 participant goal represents ten percent of the Plymouth County population.Schneider says there is an entry fee of $20 for the ten-week healthy wellness challenge with a five dollar coupon, making the cost of the program an affordable $15. Schneider says the program will begin in late January, but she encourages people to sign up early. Listen to

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An informational meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 17 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Floyd Valley Hospital Conference rooms. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Floyd Valley Hospital, Le Mars YMCA, and the Plymouth County Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the local wellness challenge. Interested participants can enroll at either the Le Mars YMCA or at the Plymouth County Extension.